DE102013019805B4 - Connection arrangement for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm, and wiper blade and wiper arm for producing such a connection arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection arrangement for connecting a wiper blade (14) to a wiper arm (12) for a windshield wiper system of a vehicle, with a connection element (18) which comprises an upper part (20) designed to fix the connection element (18) to the wiper arm (12). which a lower part (22) designed to hold a base body (24) of the wiper blade (14) is mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation (A), and with a slide (34) which encompasses the wiper arm (12) in an end region (16) and which along the wiper arm (12) from an assembly position into a functional position securing the connection element (18), characterized in that the connection arrangement (10) comprises at least one securing element (42) which, when the lower part (22) pivots about the axis of rotation (A) by a first amount (50) prevents the slide (34) from being displaced into the assembly position, but prevents displacement when the lower part (22) pivots by permits the axis of rotation (A) by a second amount (54) greater than the first amount (50).

Description

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm for a windshield wiper system of a vehicle. A connection element on the side of the wiper blade comprises an upper part designed to fix the connection element to the wiper arm. A lower part of the connection element is mounted on the upper part so that it can be pivoted about an axis of rotation. The lower part is designed to hold a base body of the wiper blade. A slide that encompasses the wiper arm in an end region can be displaced along the wiper arm from a mounting position into a functional position that secures the connection element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a wiper blade and a wiper arm for producing such a connection arrangement.

A connection arrangement of the type mentioned is in DE 10 2010 052 315 A1 described. When the slide is moved into the assembly position, the connecting element can be removed from the end region of the wiper arm designed as a receptacle in a direction that runs perpendicular to a direction of longitudinal extent of the wiper blade or wiper arm. When replacing the wiper blade, the connecting element is inserted into the receptacle from below after the slider has been moved into the assembly position. The slide is then pushed towards one end of the wiper arm, at which end the wiper arm is connected to a drive shaft of a wiper motor.

However, it can happen that the slide moves unintentionally into the assembly position, for example due to an external, unintentional force acting on the slide.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create a connection arrangement for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm and a wiper blade and a wiper arm for producing such a connection arrangement of the type that improved fixing of the wiper blade to the wiper arm can be ensured.

This object is achieved by a connection arrangement having the features of patent claim 1, a wiper blade having the features of patent claim 8 and a wiper arm having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous configurations with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

The connection arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one securing element which, during a pivoting movement of the lower part about the axis of rotation by a first amount, prevents the slide from being displaced into the assembly position. However, the securing element allows the slide to be displaced into the assembly position when the lower part pivots about the axis of rotation by a second amount, which is greater than the first amount. Such a securing element prevents the slide from being unintentionally released, ie from being moved into the assembly position, as long as the lower part is not pivoted about the axis of rotation by more than the first amount. If, on the other hand, the wiper blade is to be changed, the lower part only needs to be pivoted about the axis of rotation by the second amount, and the slider can be easily moved from the functional position into the assembly position, which is the same as a disassembly position.

This allows the forces to be applied to move the slide into the assembly position and back into the functional position to be designed in such a way that an operator can apply them easily and without aids such as tools. Nevertheless, the wiper blade is held securely on the wiper arm by the slide. This ensures improved fixing of the wiper blade on the wiper arm.

In addition, pivoting movements of the lower part relative to the upper part are possible by the first amount, so that a good wiping result is always achieved in wiping operation. The securing element also makes it possible to ensure that the connection element is not introduced incorrectly into the end area of the wiper arm. It thus serves as an anti-twist device. Furthermore, it is sufficient for the actuating forces to be applied to move the slide to be very low and therefore to be designed to be comfortable, since it is only necessary to ensure that the slide itself is held in the assembly position.

The at least one securing element is preferably designed in such a way that the pivoting movement of the lower part about the axis of rotation occurs by the first amount in wiping operation. It is then ensured that, during wiping operation, the safety element reliably prevents the slide from being opened unintentionally, ie from being displaced into the assembly position. However, when the lower part is pivoted about the axis of rotation beyond the amounts occurring during wiping operation, it can very easily be ensured that the slide can be moved into the assembly position in which the connecting element can be removed from the end area of the wiper arm. In wiping operation, however, occur derar tig large pivoting movements do not occur regularly. Rather, further rotation of the lower part about the axis of rotation is necessary in order to move the slide into its dismantling position or assembly position.

In a further advantageous refinement, in the functional position the connection element is held in a position-secured position in a longitudinal direction of the wiper blade between the at least one securing element and a front end of the slide. This ensures that the wiper blade is securely guided on the window during wiping operation. At the same time, a movement of the connection element in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade is prevented in a particularly reliable manner, thus ensuring a particularly good fixing of the wiper blade on the wiper arm.

The at least one securing element can be designed as a projection arranged on the slide, which is in contact with a stop provided on the side of the lower part during the pivoting movement of the lower part about the axis of rotation by the first amount. The connection element then does not need to be modified in order to prevent the slide from becoming detached unintentionally.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one securing element can comprise a projection provided on the side of the lower part, which is in contact with a stop provided on the side of the slide during the pivoting movement of the lower part about the axis of rotation by the first amount. This ensures that when the wiper blade is replaced, the securing element is also replaced. In the event of wear and a functional loss of the securing element associated therewith, a remedy can thus be easily provided.

The securing element can be designed here in particular as an additional part which is arranged on the wiper blade and which is in contact with the lower part. An existing wiper blade can also be retrofitted particularly easily, since the securing element only needs to be additionally attached to the wiper blade.

Alternatively, the projection can be formed in one piece with a base body of the lower part. A particularly compact and functionally reliable connection element can thus be provided.

To produce a connection arrangement according to the invention, a wiper blade according to the invention comprises a connection element for connecting the wiper blade to a wiper arm of a windshield wiper system of a vehicle, the connection element comprising an upper part designed to fix the connection element to the wiper arm, on which a lower part designed to hold a base body of the wiper blade an axis of rotation is pivotably mounted, wherein the connecting element can be secured in a functional position of a slide which encompasses the wiper arm in an end region and which can be displaced along the wiper arm from a mounting position into the functional position,
wherein at least one securing element is arranged on the lower part of the connection element, which prevents the slide from being displaced into the assembly position by a first amount when the lower part pivots about the axis of rotation, but allows displacement by a second amount when the lower part pivots about the axis of rotation, which is greater than the first amount.

In the functional position, the safety element is preferably in contact by means of lateral end regions with stops that are provided on the legs of the slide.

However, the at least one securing element can also be arranged on the wiper arm according to the invention, which, to produce the connection arrangement according to the invention, has a slide, as was initially described for the connection arrangement according to the invention, on its slide.

The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the connection arrangement according to the invention also apply to the wiper blade according to the invention and the wiper arm according to the invention.

The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without going beyond the scope of the leave invention. Embodiments are therefore also to be regarded as included and disclosed by the invention which are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which result from the explained embodiments and can be generated by means of separate combinations of features.

• 1 eine Verbindungsanordnung, wobei an einem ausschnittsweise und teilweise geschnitten dargestellten Wischarm für eine Scheibenwischanlage eines Fahrzeugs ein Wischblatt gehalten ist, und wobei ein Schieberiegel in eine Funktionsstellung verschoben ist, in welcher er einen Adapter des Wischblatts gegen ein Sich-Lösen vom Wischarm sichert;
• 2 perspektivisch ein als Reiter ausgebildetes Unterteil des Adapters gemäß 1;
• 3 ein Verschwenken des Unterteils relativ zu einem Oberteil des Adapters in eine Position, in welcher der Schieberiegel in seine Demontagestellung verschiebbar ist, in welcher das Wischblatt vom Wischarm demontiert werden kann;
• 4 das Verschieben des Schieberiegels in die Demontagestellung bei der Verbindungsanordnung gemäß 1;
• 5 perspektivisch eine Wischarmanordnung, bei welcher ein die Bewegung des Schieberiegels in die Demontagestellung verhinderndes Sicherungselement als von dem Unterteil des Adapters separates Bauteil ausgebildet ist;
• 6 das von dem Wischarm demontierte Wischblatt gemäß 5 in einer Perspektivansicht;
• 7 das Verschwenken des Unterteils des Adapters gemäß 5 in eine Position, in welcher der Schieberiegel in seine Demontagestellung verschiebbar ist;
• 8 das Verschieben des Schieberiegels in die Demontagestellung bei der Verbindungsanordnung gemäß 5;
• 9 in einer schematischen Seitenansicht ein mit dem Unterteil einstückig ausgebildetes Sicherungselement, welches den Schieberiegel sichert;
• 10 in einer Perspektivansicht und ausschnittsweise eine Verbindungsanordnung, bei welcher ein an dem Unterteil vorgesehener Vorsprung den Schieberiegel arretiert;
• 11 bei der Verbindungsanordnung gemäß 10 das Verschwenken des Unterteils relativ zu dem Oberteil in eine Schwenkstellung, in welcher der Schieberiegel nicht mehr gesichert ist;
• 12 bei der Verbindungsanordnung gemäß 10 das Demontieren des Wischblatts vom Wischarm; und
• 13 eine Variante der Verbindungsanordnung, bei welcher ein als Sicherungselement dienender Vorsprung am Schieberiegel angeordnet ist.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings. show:

• 1 a connection arrangement, wherein a wiper blade is held on a wiper arm for a windshield wiper system of a vehicle, shown partially and in section, and wherein a sliding latch is moved into a functional position in which it secures an adapter of the wiper blade against becoming detached from the wiper arm;
• 2 in perspective, a lower part of the adapter designed as a rider according to FIG 1 ;
• 3 a pivoting of the lower part relative to an upper part of the adapter into a position in which the sliding latch can be displaced into its dismantling position in which the wiper blade can be dismantled from the wiper arm;
• 4 according to the moving of the sliding bolt into the dismantling position in the connection arrangement 1 ;
• 5 a perspective view of a wiper arm arrangement, in which a securing element preventing the movement of the sliding latch into the dismantling position is designed as a component separate from the lower part of the adapter;
• 6 the wiper blade dismantled from the wiper arm according to FIG 5 in a perspective view;
• 7 according to the pivoting of the lower part of the adapter 5 into a position in which the sliding latch can be displaced into its dismantling position;
• 8th according to the moving of the sliding bolt into the dismantling position in the connection arrangement 5 ;
• 9 in a schematic side view with the lower part integrally formed securing element which secures the sliding latch;
• 10 in a perspective view and in detail, a connection arrangement in which a projection provided on the lower part locks the sliding latch;
• 11 according to the connection arrangement 10 pivoting the lower part relative to the upper part into a pivoted position in which the sliding latch is no longer secured;
• 12 according to the connection arrangement 10 removing the wiper blade from the wiper arm; and
• 13 a variant of the connection arrangement, in which a projection serving as a securing element is arranged on the sliding bolt.

From a connection arrangement 10 are in 1 a wiper arm 12 and a wiper blade 14 of a windshield wiper system of a vehicle are shown in detail. An adapter 18 serving as a connecting element is held in an end region 16 of the wiper arm 12, shown partially in section. The adapter 18 comprises an upper part designed as a rocker 20 and a lower part designed as a rider 22 . In this case, the rider 22 serves to hold a base body 24 of the wiper blade 14. In the present case, the base body 24 comprises two spring rails 26, which are encompassed by gripping elements of the rider 22, and a wiper lip 28 of the wiper blade 14. In addition, the wiper blade 14 can have a spoiler 30.

The rider 22 can be pivoted relative to the rocker 20 about an axis of rotation A, which is 2 is shown. This axis of rotation A is provided by a pin which is passed through a passage opening 32 provided in the rider 22 . Ends of this pin are accommodated in openings which are arranged in legs of the rocker 20, which has a U-profile in cross section. These legs and a back of the rocker 20 are in contact with legs and a back of the end region 16 of the wiper arm 12, which also has a U-profile in cross section.

In the present case, the adapter 18 is secured against the adapter 18 becoming detached from the wiper arm 12 by means of a slide in the form of a slide bolt 34 , which also has a U-profile with a back 36 and lateral legs 38 in cross section. Webs or strips protrude inward from the legs 38 of the sliding latch 34 and engage around the legs of the wiper arm 12 in its end region 16 on the underside.

In order to detach the adapter 18 and with it the wiper blade 14 from the wiper arm 12, the sliding latch 34 is pushed in a direction which in 1 illustrated by an arrow 40 . The sliding latch 34 is thus shifted into an assembly position or disassembly position in which it protrudes beyond a free end of the wiper arm 12 .

In the present case, the sliding latch 34 is prevented from moving unintentionally in the direction indicated by the arrow 40 . For this at the in 1 Connection arrangement 10 shown is provided as a securing element 42, a projection which is integrally formed with the rider 22. Lateral end regions 44 of this securing element 42 are in contact with stops 46 provided on the legs 38 of the slide bolt 34 . This is the case as long as the rider 22 and thus the base body 24 of the wiper blade 14 relative to the upper part designed as the rocker 20 the axis of rotation A is only pivoted as far as occurs in wiping operation.

A corresponding working area 48, in which pivoting movements of the rider 22 about the pivot axis A occur during wiping operation, is 13 illustrated. By pivoting the tab 22 - and together with this the base body 24 of the wiper blade 14 - in the working area 48 ensures that the wiper lip 28 always rests on the window of the vehicle during wiping operation. A first amount 50, by which the rider 22 is pivoted in relation to a horizontal 52 in wiping operation, i.e. an amount 50 corresponding to the working area 48, is in 13 also illustrated. The amount 50 can be specified as an angle relative to the horizontal 52.

However, if the wiper blade 14 is to be detached from the wiper arm 12, the rider 22 and with it the base body 24 of the wiper blade 14 can be pivoted further about the axis of rotation A than is the case with movements occurring during wiping operation, i.e. in the working area 48. The rider 22 moves in the working area 48 as long as the wiper lip 28 rests on the window of the vehicle. When the rider 22 moves in this working area 48, the securing element 42 ensures that the slide bolt 34 cannot be moved into its dismantling position. Then the stops 46 are in contact with the securing element 42 . In this way, positive locking of the sliding bolt 34 is ensured.

In contrast, when the wiper arm 12 is folded away from the window, the base body 24 of the wiper blade 14 and thus the rider 22 can be pivoted by a second amount 54, which is greater than the first amount 50 (cf 13 ). The second amount 54 can also be specified as an angle in relation to the horizontal 52 . According to the second amount 54, a total pivoting range 56 of the rider 22 about the axis of rotation A is greater than the working range 48. A difference 58 between the second amount 54 and the first amount 50 is in 13 also given for illustration. This difference 58 corresponds to a dismantling range of the maximum possible pivoting movement, which is indicated by the pivoting range 56 .

If the base body 24 of the wiper blade 14 is pivoted beyond the working area 48 into the dismantling area, the sliding latch 34 can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 40, ie beyond the free end of the wiper arm 12. This is possible because the stops 46 are then no longer in contact with the end regions 44 of the securing element 42 .

The base body 24 of the wiper blade 14, which is pivoted beyond the working area 48, is in 3 shown in this pivoted position, in which the securing element 42 releases the stops 46 . As in 4 is shown, the sliding bolt 34 can then be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 40 . Correspondingly, the sliding latch 34 is then at a distance from a pin 60 which belongs to the rocker 20 and passes through an opening provided in the back of the wiper arm 12 .

As soon as the rider 22 is pivoted beyond the working area 48, the securing element 42 releases the stops 46 and the sliding latch 34 can move into the in 4 shown disassembly position or assembly position are shifted, in which the adapter 18 can be removed from the bottom of the end portion 16 of the wiper arm 12 or introduced into the end portion 16 from below.

At the in 5 Connection arrangement 10 shown, the securing element 42 is designed as a component separate from the rider 22 . However, here too the stops 46 of the sliding bolt 34 are in contact with the securing element 42 as long as the rider 22 is pivoted about the axis of rotation A only in the working area 48 during the wiping operation.

From the perspective view of the wiper blade 14 in 6 the pivotability of the base body 24 and with it the rider 22 relative to the rocker 20 of the adapter 18 about the pivot axis or axis of rotation A can be seen particularly well.

7 shows rider 22 pivoted in pivoting area 56 beyond working area 48. Accordingly, in this position of base body 24 of wiper blade 14, stops 46 are no longer in contact with securing element 42.

The sliding latch 34 can consequently, as in 8th shown, be moved beyond the free end of the wiper arm 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow 40. Here, too, the sliding latch 34 that has been moved into the dismantling position is at a distance from the pin 60 . When mounting and correspondingly moving the slide bar 34 in its in 1 In the functional position shown, the pin 60 serves, among other things, as a stop for limiting the movement of the slide bolt 34 in a direction opposite to the arrow 40 .

9 shows schematically a securing element 42 which is formed in one piece with the rider 22 and which is formed as a lug, this lug engaging in a notch or recess 62 which is provided in the sliding bolt 34 . Here too, however, the lug only extends into the recess 62 when the rider 22 is pivoted about the axis of rotation A in the working area 48 .

10 shows the securing element 42 designed as a lug, which secures the slide bolt 34 against displacement into its dismantling position, that is to say it is locked.

In 11 on the other hand, the rider 22 is shown pivoted further about the axis of rotation A, namely beyond the working area 48 . The wiper blade 14 is thus in a dismantling position, and the securing element 42 designed as a lug releases the sliding latch 34 . This can consequently be moved in the direction illustrated by the arrow 40, ie forward. The pivoting movement of the rider 22 about the axis of rotation A is in 11 illustrated by a further arrow 64 .

12 shows the wiper blade 14 in its dismantling position with the sliding latch 34 open. Accordingly, the adapter 18 and with it the entire wiper blade 14 can be removed downwards from the end region 16 of the wiper arm 12 designed as a receptacle. A corresponding removal direction is in 12 illustrated by another arrow 66 .

13 shows a variant of the connection arrangement 10, in which the securing element 42 is designed as a projection arranged on the sliding bolt 34, which is in contact with a stop provided on the rider 22 as long as the rider 22 pivots about the axis of rotation A by a maximum of the first amount 50 , So in the work area 48 is moved.

The securing element 42 serving as a form-fitting additional element is arranged in such a way that it is not influenced by external forces which, without the provision of the securing element 42, could cause a displacement of the sliding bolt 34 in the direction indicated by the arrow 40. This form-fitting additional element can, as in 1 shown, be formed in one piece with the rider 22 or, as in 5 shown as a separate component.

Claims (10)

Connection arrangement for connecting a wiper blade (14) to a wiper arm (12) for a windscreen wiper system of a vehicle, with a connection element (18) which comprises an upper part (20) designed to fix the connection element (18) to the wiper arm (12). which a lower part (22) designed to hold a base body (24) of the wiper blade (14) is mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation (A), and with a slide (34) which encompasses the wiper arm (12) in an end region (16) and which along the wiper arm (12) from an assembly position into a functional position securing the connecting element (18), characterized in that the connecting arrangement (10) comprises at least one securing element (42) which, when the lower part (22) pivots about the axis of rotation (A) by a first amount (50) prevents the slide (34) from being displaced into the assembly position, but prevents displacement when the lower part (22) pivots by allows the axis of rotation (A) a second amount (54) greater than the first amount (50). connection arrangement claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one securing element (42) is designed such that the pivoting movement of the lower part (22) about the axis of rotation (A) by the first amount (50) occurs in wiping operation. connection arrangement claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that in the functional position the connection element (18) is held in a position-secured position in a longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (14) between the at least one securing element (42) and a front end of the slide (34). Connection arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the at least one securing element (42) is designed as a projection arranged on the slide (34), which during the pivoting movement of the lower part (22) about the axis of rotation (A) by the first amount (50) with a side the stop (46) provided for the lower part (22) is in contact. Connection arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the at least one securing element (42) comprises a projection provided on the side of the lower part (22), which during the pivoting movement of the lower part (22) about the axis of rotation (A) by the first amount (50) with a side the slide (34) provided stop (46) is in contact. connection arrangement claim 5 , characterized in that the projection a is integrally formed with a base body of the lower part (22). Connection arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the slide (34) has a U-profile in cross section with a back (36) and two legs (38), wherein at least one of the legs (38) has a wiper arm (12) in the end area (16 ) underside encompassing web is arranged. Wiper blade (14) with a connecting element (18) for connecting the wiper blade (14) to a wiper arm (12) of a windshield wiper system of a vehicle, the connecting element (18) being an upper part designed to fix the connecting element (18) to the wiper arm (12). (20) on which a lower part (22) designed to hold a base body (24) of the wiper blade (14) is pivotably mounted about an axis of rotation (A), wherein the connecting element (18) in a functional position of the wiper arm (12) in an end area (16) encompassing slide (34) which can be displaced along the wiper arm (12) from a mounting position into the functional position, characterized in that at least one securing element (42) on the lower part (22) of the connecting element (18) is arranged, which during a pivoting movement of the lower part (22) about the axis of rotation (A) by a first amount (50) prevents a displacement of the slide (34) in the assembly position, jedoc h allows displacement during a pivoting movement of the lower part (22) about the axis of rotation (A) by a second amount (54) which is greater than the first amount (50). wiper blade (14) after claim 8 , characterized in that the safety element (42) in the functional position by means of lateral end areas (44) on stops (46) which are provided on the legs (38) of the slide (34), in abutment. Wiper arm (12), with a slide (34) surrounding the wiper arm (12) in an end region (16) for connecting the wiper arm (12) of a windshield wiper system of a vehicle to a connecting element (18) of a wiper blade (14), the slide ( 34) along the wiper arm (12) from a mounting position into a functional position securing the attachment element (18), and wherein the attachment element (18) comprises an upper part (20) designed to fix the attachment element (18) to the wiper arm (12). , on which a lower part (22) designed to hold a base body (24) of the wiper blade (14) is mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation (A), characterized in that the connecting arrangement (10) comprises at least one securing element (42) which is a pivoting movement of the lower part (22) about the axis of rotation (A) by a first amount (50) prevents the slide (34) from being displaced into the assembly position, but prevents displacement during a pivoting movement ng of the lower part (22) about the axis of rotation (A) by a second amount (54) which is greater than the first amount (50), the securing element (42) being arranged on the slide (34).

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